El-P: Age, Date of Birth & other info
El-P, born Jaime Meline, is an influential American rapper, producer, and songwriter, known for his distinctive sound that blends elements of underground hip-hop, experimental music, and post-punk. He is often regarded as one of the most innovative producers in modern hip-hop and has had a profound impact on the genre’s evolution. Through his solo career, collaborations, and as the co-founder of the hip-hop duo Run the Jewels, El-P has left an indelible mark on both the music industry and pop culture.
- Age: 49 Years
- Date of Birth: March 2, 1975
- Birth Place: Brooklyn, New York
- Weight: 76 kilograms (168 pounds)
- Height: 1.78 meters (5 feet 10 inches)
- Net Worth: $4 million
Early Life and Date of Birth
El-P was born Jaime Meline on March 2, 1975, in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in the vibrant and diverse neighborhood of Brooklyn, El-P was exposed to a wide range of music genres from an early age. His childhood was marked by a deep interest in music, art, and culture. El-P’s love for hip-hop began during his youth, and he soon gravitated towards the genre as a way to express himself creatively.His early experiences with the urban landscape of Brooklyn, coupled with a strong sense of individuality and rebellion, helped shape his artistic persona. At the time, hip-hop was still an emerging genre, but El-P’s formative years exposed him to groundbreaking acts like Public Enemy, KRS-One, and Rakim, which influenced his future sound. His diverse musical influences span across genres like punk rock, electronic music, jazz, and experimental music, making him a unique figure in the hip-hop scene.
Musical Career and Beginnings
El-P’s music career began in the early 1990s, when he co-founded the group Company Flow with fellow Brooklynite Bigg Jus and former member Mr. Len. Company Flow was a pioneering force in the underground hip-hop scene. The group’s music was known for its experimental beats, dense lyricism, and unconventional approach to production. El-P’s work with Company Flow would eventually earn him recognition as a respected producer and MC in the underground hip-hop community.
Company Flow and “Funcrusher Plus”
Company Flow’s debut album, Funcrusher Plus (1997), is considered one of the cornerstones of underground hip-hop. The album was revolutionary for its time, marked by abstract lyricism, dissonant production, and socially conscious themes. Although it wasn’t a commercial success, Funcrusher Plus was critically acclaimed and became a cult classic. The album’s experimental sound and raw approach to production were groundbreaking, setting the stage for El-P’s future as both a solo artist and a producer.
Solo Career: “Fantastic Damage” and Early Solo Work
After the breakup of Company Flow, El-P launched his solo career with the release of his debut album, Fantastic Damage, in 2002. The album was a critical success, showcasing El-P’s unique style of production, which combined dense, industrial beats with introspective and socially aware lyrics. Fantastic Damage was a sonic departure from mainstream hip-hop, drawing influences from electronic music, experimental rock, and industrial music. The album also introduced his self-made label, Def Jux, which became a vital platform for underground hip-hop artists.The record is widely regarded as one of the best examples of El-P’s production prowess, blending distorted soundscapes, complex rhythms, and intricate sampling. Lyrically, Fantastic Damage explores themes of societal decay, alienation, and personal introspection, reflecting El-P’s deep concerns about the state of the world and his place within it.
“I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead” (2007)
El-P’s follow-up album, I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead (2007), continued his evolution as an artist and solidified his reputation as one of the best underground producers in hip-hop. The album featured collaborations with a wide array of artists, including indie rockers like Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), and rappers such as Aesop Rock and The Mars Volta’s Cedric Bixler-Zavala. The album’s tone was dark, introspective, and experimental, with El-P further refining his production style.With I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead, El-P expanded his sound, incorporating elements of electronic music, rock, and even orchestral arrangements. Despite being difficult to categorize, the album was praised for its innovation and boldness. Tracks like “The Overly Dramatic Truth” and “Smithereens” showcased El-P’s ability to balance complex production with deep, emotional themes.
“Cancer 4 Cure” (2012)
In 2012, El-P released Cancer 4 Cure, an album that marked a return to his more aggressive production style while still pushing boundaries. The album was well-received both critically and commercially, cementing El-P’s place in the upper echelons of independent hip-hop. Tracks like “Tougher Colder Killer” and “The Full Retard” received widespread acclaim for their hard-hitting production and dark, provocative lyrics.Cancer 4 Cure also explored personal themes, reflecting El-P’s experiences with loss, mental health, and political disillusionment. The album’s raw energy and introspective lyricism made it a standout in his discography.
Run the Jewels: The Rise to Mainstream Success
Although El-P had already established himself as a major force in underground hip-hop, his collaboration with rapper Killer Mike to form Run the Jewels would catapult him to even greater success. In 2013, the duo released their self-titled debut album, Run the Jewels. The album was a perfect fusion of El-P’s production style and Killer Mike’s fiery delivery. The chemistry between the two rappers was undeniable, and the project was an instant hit among fans of both underground and mainstream hip-hop.
Run the Jewels 2 (2014) and Beyond
Run the Jewels’ second album, Run the Jewels 2 (2014), took the world by storm. It was a critical and commercial success, with its ferocious beats, politically charged lyrics, and high-energy performances. The album featured guest appearances from artists like Zack de la Rocha (of Rage Against the Machine) and a growing list of collaborators, further elevating the duo’s status.Following the success of Run the Jewels 2, the duo continued their momentum with Run the Jewels 3 (2016), Run the Jewels 4 (2020), and various projects and live performances. These albums further solidified their place in mainstream hip-hop, blending socially conscious themes with head-banging beats and sharp lyricism.Run the Jewels became not only one of the most influential duos in hip-hop but also one of the most politically vocal acts in the genre. El-P and Killer Mike used their platform to discuss topics like police brutality, systemic racism, and inequality, making their music a rallying cry for those pushing for social justice.
Family and Personal Life
While El-P has always been known for his public persona as an artist, he has been relatively private about his personal life. He is known to be fiercely independent, with a commitment to maintaining creative control over his work. However, fans and the media have been able to piece together some details about his background.El-P is married to Jewish-American visual artist and musician Stephanie (Steff) Gelb, who also contributes to some of his work. The couple’s life is largely kept out of the public eye, which speaks to El-P’s preference for maintaining a level of privacy outside of his artistic endeavors. Though El-P’s public life may be focused on his music, he occasionally speaks about his personal experiences and struggles through his art.El-P’s close relationships with other members of the hip-hop community, such as Killer Mike, have also been a significant part of his personal journey. His collaborations with other artists have allowed him to build a sense of community in the often cutthroat world of hip-hop.
Net Worth
As of 2025, El-P’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million. This wealth comes from his diverse career as a rapper, producer, and entrepreneur. His music, both as a solo artist and as part of Run the Jewels, has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base, which translates into a lucrative income from album sales, touring, and merchandise.Additionally, El-P’s success with his independent label, Def Jux, and his ongoing collaborations with other influential artists have contributed to his financial success. The success of Run the Jewels, in particular, has helped El-P reach a wider audience, boosting both his visibility and financial standing.El-P’s work as a producer for other artists, as well as his involvement in various side projects, continues to generate income. His ability to remain relevant in the industry, despite being associated with the underground scene, speaks to his adaptability and long-term appeal.
Conclusion
El-P’s journey from a member of the underground group Company Flow to becoming one of the most respected and influential producers in modern hip-hop is a testament to his innovation and dedication to his craft. With his genre-defying production, thought-provoking lyrics, and commitment to pushing boundaries, El-P has earned his place as one of the most iconic figures in contemporary music.His legacy continues to grow as his work with Run the Jewels reaches new audiences and tackles important societal issues. Whether as a solo artist or as part of a duo, El-P remains a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. With his net worth and continued success, it’s clear that El-P’s impact will resonate for many years to come.
